Protecting Area Families Against The Flu

With the rise in flu cases this past fall, the flu vaccine clinics administered by the CHRISTUS School Clinics have become critical in protecting area students. Erika Muñiz, a School Clinic registered nurse, oversees vaccinations for all nine schools.

“The flu clinics are open to students, parents and teachers at the schools,” said Muniz. The clinics are held in October, and Muñiz works with the schools to send out notifications and consent forms.

For Irazema Ortiz, principal at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School, the flu clinics are a blessing. “It’s very convenient for our families,” said Ortiz. “I get my flu shot here.” Once Ortiz receives a date for her school’s flu clinic, she sends out a signup sheet with time slots to the school families and staff. “We have found that it works out so well because it’s by appointment.” In cases where a parent is unable to accompany a student but has submitted a consent form, a teacher will accompany the student during the vaccination.

“The School Clinic staff will often have extra vaccines on hand to give to siblings who weren’t originally able to come, and we typically go through those as well,” said Ortiz.

At Our Lady of Guadalupe, the School Clinic serves a vital role in the welfare of the school community. “We really make a point to make the assistants feel included in our community,” said Ortiz. “I inform all of my new families about the school clinic. I just want to say thank you for the partnership.”